Langimage
English

whitefly

|white-fly|

B2

/ˈwaɪtˌflaɪ/

small sap-sucking insect

Etymology
Etymology Information

'whitefly' originates from the combination of 'white' and 'fly', referring to the insect's color and its ability to fly.

Historical Evolution

'whitefly' has been used in English since the 19th century to describe this particular insect.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred specifically to the insect's appearance and behavior, and this meaning has remained consistent.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a small, sap-sucking insect that is typically white and is a common pest of greenhouse and indoor plants.

The whitefly infestation damaged the tomato plants.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/07/05 00:41